“As kids we always learned ‘only you can prevent forest fires’ and now the new theme is ‘only you can prevent wildfires,’” said Hansen. “When we talk wildfires, it’s not just big trees burning – wildfires include grass and brush, we don’t need trees on fire to burn down homes.”

In order to burn leaves and debris, Michigan law says that a permit must be obtained. South of Mt. Pleasant, permits are available at local fire departments, while north of Mt. Pleasant, the permits accessible through the DNR website.

“Firewise is mostly about protecting your homes, and there are things you can do,” said Hansen. “Number one, removing those dead leaves from under your deck, from around landscape, and from your eaves troughs.”

The clearing of eaves troughs is crucial due to the fire brands that float up and out of wildfires. If the wildfire is large enough, such brands can float downwind up to a mile away.

“If those fire brands land in leaves, whether it’s underneath your deck or in your eaves troughs, they could start those leaves on fire,” said Hansen.

The Firewise program also provides information to those building new homes. In particular, they suggest the avoidance of wood shake roofs.

“If a fire brand lands on that, it can start the roof on fire,” said Hansen. “With Firewise, what we’re trying to do is help people understand the threats and how they might change some of those things around the home.”

The Michigan State University Firewise program produces publications about protecting homes from wildfires, understanding wildfires, and fire resistant landscape plans. These publications are available at county extension offices as well as on their web site.